Are vaccinations really mandatory for expats here? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Are vaccinations really mandatory for expats here?

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 January 2025 - 17:13
[quote=Zelazna]Ladies, can anyone recommend a pediatrician in Dubai or other Emirate that is understanding towards mothers who are anti-vaccination? I'd be very grateful for the information sent to...
Hello! I am a future mother desperate to know how to deal with my baby vaccines. I´m quite new in Dubai and I dont know well what´s the law about it nowadays. Trying to find an opened minded pediatrician but it seems imposible! Did you manage to find one? Any advice please? I dont want to vaccine. my baby, what can I do? Thanks in advance
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 04 May 2012 - 10:09
Ladies, can anyone recommend a pediatrician in Dubai or other Emirate that is understanding towards mothers who are anti-vaccination? I'd be very grateful for the information sent to me at [email protected] Thanks in advance! Hey Zelazna and Praia74, just an FYI: there is a Facebook group where a lot of natural and non-vaxxing mamas post and talk. They might be able to answer this question too. It's the UAE Natural Living Network. http://www.facebook.com/groups/244138918988067/
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 03 May 2012 - 15:52
I am also interested in having the name of an open-minded paediatrician. praia _ dubai at yahoo dot com TIA
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 March 2012 - 12:34
Ladies, can anyone recommend a pediatrician in Dubai or other Emirate that is understanding towards mothers who are anti-vaccination? I'd be very grateful for the information sent to me at [email protected] Thanks in advance!
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 11 December 2011 - 09:51
Thanks everybody. Just to recap, they need my consensus to perform anything, right? Or does it work on a dissensus basis, meaning that I should specifically declare, for instance at check-in, that I do not want any vaccinations for my baby? Or when? I think whenever a doctor or a nurse is introduced to me I will say: Hi, my name is GattaMatta and I do not want vaccinations. I am starting to enter a phase in which anything becomes a possible tragedy, hope it is normal :-) Be very specific about your wish to decline vaccinations. Tell the nurses on the ward and put a note on the babys cot. I have been in situations where staff have attempted to give the baby its vaccinations and when the mother said "No" the nurse said " the doctor has prescribed it and I have already made up the vaccination". You need to be clear as staff are not familiar with parents saying "No". [b'>They do not need your consensus for treatment here [/b'>and often do not ask for it, only a signed refusal. edited by NZ2AD on 24/10/2011 Ummm...yes they do need parental consent to do ANYTHING to a baby. It is absolutely required, it's just that some nursing staff operate on assumptions. They assume that because it's on the schedule and 'most' babies get XYZ at birth, then that's what they do to every baby. At Al Wasl only one rude, arrogant, young intern had an attitude about my choice not to give any vacc's at birth. The midwives, nurses and paed's were 100% supportive of my choice. It was in my birth plan which I made sure was plastered everywhere that my baby might be (especially once she went to NICU without me). You have to write it down, tell everyone who'll listen, make sure it's noted on baby's chart etc etc. Same goes for your choices re formula or breastfeeding etc...write it, say it, have it noted on the chart. They absolutely cannot give ANYTHING to a baby without consent.
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EW GURU
Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 19:19
Ladies, make sure you get your baby screened for G6PD enzyme deficiency AT BIRTH, BEFORE the Vit. K is given. Vit. K will seriously harm a G6PDD child. Read more at g6pddeficiency.org.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 19:00
Babies when born here are given vitamin K and BCG. You can request not to have the BCG though. You can request not to have the Vit K also (I think Mince said that already) or you can choose to have the vitamin k given orally. If you want to have it orally I would check in advance that the hospital will have it in stock and request that it will be available. There is some good advice on here. Remember, you have full choice over what, if anything, you want to have done to your child at birth. :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 16:12
@ OP. I have some suggestions and recommendations but prefer not to give them on the forum. I am surprised at how civil this thread is considering how quickly vaccination threads disintegrate into craziness. Mail me at [email protected] and will let you know my personal experiences.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 09 December 2011 - 15:21
I would guess that if you ask any Dr whether vaccination on the national schedule is a good idea, they are going to say yes, as clearly they would defer to the expert panel that put the time in to research and recommend them in the first place. If you've done your own research and decided that in your specific circumstance a different schedule is warranted, you don't really need to be [b'>asking[/b'> your pediatrician anything, just tell them what vaccines you want and when, it should be that simple.
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 21:55
I am really upset at the attitude I have experienced so far (two different doctors), paired with an actual inability to give me concrete answers to my objections, apart from saying "this is what they do in the UK". If they're leaning on "what they do in the UK", then "in the UK" a parent can simply choose not to vaccinate (at all, if they so wish). I have a friend who's chosen not to and she gets occasional prompting when the Dr notices, she says no, they say "it'd be a good idea", she says no again and they part company.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 08 December 2011 - 20:10
So, now that the neonatal part is over (thanks for the useful suggestions!), I would like to know if anyone can address me to a pediatrician who is not only good (of course) but who also has an open attitude towards parents who are not in favour of vaccinations or who want to postpone them. I do not know if answering the question can put a doctor in trouble here (back home this is a perfectly legitimate question, it is also true that in many Italian regions vaccinations are not mandatory any more and in general it is possible for parents to legally object), so in case do not write any name, of course! :) I am really upset at the attitude I have experienced so far (two different doctors), paired with an actual inability to give me concrete answers to my objections, apart from saying "this is what they do in the UK". Thank you again!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 15:12
Thanks everybody. Just to recap, they need my consensus to perform anything, right? Or does it work on a dissensus basis, meaning that I should specifically declare, for instance at check-in, that I do not want any vaccinations for my baby? Or when? I think whenever a doctor or a nurse is introduced to me I will say: Hi, my name is GattaMatta and I do not want vaccinations. I am starting to enter a phase in which anything becomes a possible tragedy, hope it is normal :-) Be very specific about your wish to decline vaccinations. Tell the nurses on the ward and put a note on the babys cot. I have been in situations where staff have attempted to give the baby its vaccinations and when the mother said "No" the nurse said " the doctor has prescribed it and I have already made up the vaccination". You need to be clear as staff are not familiar with parents saying "No". They do not need your consensus for treatment here and often do not ask for it, only a signed refusal. <em>edited by NZ2AD on 24/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 14:49
Thanks everybody. Just to recap, they need my consensus to perform anything, right? Or does it work on a dissensus basis, meaning that I should specifically declare, for instance at check-in, that I do not want any vaccinations for my baby? Or when? I think whenever a doctor or a nurse is introduced to me I will say: Hi, my name is GattaMatta and I do not want vaccinations. I am starting to enter a phase in which anything becomes a possible tragedy, hope it is normal :-)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 09:20
I have read about a huge list of mandatory vaccinations here, justified by the fact that this actually is a third world country "en travesti". What I do not understand is if it is possible for expat parents to responsibly choose to skip or postpone some or all of them, without incurring in legal problems or limiting future access to school. I am not asking for opinions about the opportunity of vaccinations, just about the legal aspects, considering also that hopefully by the time the baby will reach school age we might be elsewhere. Thanks. Not sure about the law - but i havent given DS all his vaccines and delayed some e.g the MMR given at 20 months when his immune system stronger instead of 12 months with no issues I also know if some mums who have decided not to give some vaccines at all with no issues none of the nurseries we looked at asked about the vaccines
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 09:20
I have read about a huge list of mandatory vaccinations here, justified by the fact that this actually is a third world country "en travesti". What I do not understand is if it is possible for expat parents to responsibly choose to skip or postpone some or all of them, without incurring in legal problems or limiting future access to school. I am not asking for opinions about the opportunity of vaccinations, just about the legal aspects, considering also that hopefully by the time the baby will reach school age we might be elsewhere. Thanks. Not sure about the law - but i havent given DS all his vaccines and delayed some e.g the MMR given at 20 months when his immune system stronger instead of 12 months with no issues I also know if some mums who have decided not to give some vaccines at all with no issues none of the nurseries we looked at asked about the vaccines
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 09:15
I refused the vaccinations and was actually given a very hard time about it. I delivered at Al Wasl which is the local government hospital. The medical staff kept writing "MOTHER REFUSING VACCINATIONS" over all of my papers. Totally weird. I am pretty sure that Greenish was given a hard time for refusing the vaccinations at Al Wasl as well.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 09:14
gosh, you have all been so helpful. i'm printing this thread so i can study it at home. thanks everyone! x
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 24 October 2011 - 08:41
You may find this useful as it is the immunisation guide specifically for the UAE IMMUNISATIONS Directly after delivery Tuberculosis Hepatitis B The end of the Second Month Polio 1 Pentavalent 1 The end of the fourth Month Polio 2 Pentavalent 2 The end of the Sixth Month Polio 3 Pentavalent 3 The end of the Twelfth Month Measles / german measles / mumps The end of the Eighteenth Month Polio 4 Tetravalent The Pentavalent Vaccination of diptheria / tetanus / vaccine of hemophilus influenza (b), Whooping cough / Hepatitis B The tetravalent Vaccination against diphtheria / tetanus / whooping cough / vaccine of hemophilus influenza ( b) The delay of the child from the fixed date doesn’t mean he has lost the chance for vaccination. Contact the Clinic to make another appointment. You should notice that Vaccination could be followed by high temperature and some pains and redness in the vaccination point. TUBERCOLOSIS Tuberculosis is a contagious disease spread throough breathing air contaminated by flying splashes from the mouth and nose of the ill person. The most important symptoms of chest tuberculosis are • Chronic cough accompanied by sputum with blood • Swelling of lymphatic gland • General weakness and loss of weight • Fever at night with extensive sweating PREVENTION • Vaccinate against tuberculosis • The vaccination could be followed by temporary redness in injection point and rise in temperature with some associated pain. HEPATITIS B It can be transmitted through body secretions when contaminated blood enters the body of a fit person through transmitting contaminated blood or by using contaminated injections or by using contaminated surgical instruments. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse with an ill person or from the infected mother to the child at the time of delivery. The incubation period of the disease is normally 60 to 90 days and extends to 45 – 180 days. PREVENTION By Vaccination taking three doses of Viral Hepatitis type B, vaccine on delivery, then at the age of two, four and six months. Infection with the disease may result in • Jaundice • Chronic liver infection with or without cirrhosis • The rate of liver cancer is high between the infected persons. One of the most common factors causing liver cancer is Viral hepatitis B *Information source: A guide for mother and child healthcare
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 00:36
Remember no immunisations can be given unless your written and oral consent is given. Also your baby does not and should not leave your room for the immunisations unless you request this to happen. You can refuse any vaccination or do any schedule you like below is a link to some of the immunisation schedules around the world e.g. UK, New Zealand and below is listen the immunisation schedule for Dubai. If you know you will eventually return to your home land you may want to follow the immunisation schedule of that country. If you know you are staying here for schools it may be a good idea to speak to a school nurse who will be able to tell you want vaccinations are mandatory if any. My son doesn't have Hep B/Hep C and BCG/chicken pox etc and is still at school here in Dubai. Good to do some leg work and find out the most up to date information re schooling etc. http://198.103.98.45/im/iyc-vve/pgi-gpv/index-eng.php - Canada http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Vaccinationchecklist.aspx - UK http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/internet/immunise/publishing.nsf/Content/nips2 - Australia http://www.moh.govt.nz/moh.nsf/indexmh/immunisation-schedule-html [b'>Vit K [/b'>: In this hospital we offer all babies vitamin K. The reason for this is that all babies are born with low levels of vitamin K. Babies need vitamin K to prevent haemorrhagic disease, which can cause serious complications. There are also low levels of vitamin k in breastmilk, so if you choose oral vitamin K and are breastfeeding we will give your baby three doses of vitamin K rather than the one which we give to formula-fed babies. (Formula contains the high amounts of vitamin K which babies need.)" taken from AIMS website. http://drbenkim.com/vitamin-K-shot-baby.html http://aims.org.uk/Journal/Vol13No2/vitk.htm [b'>Immunisation offered at birth in Dubai are BCG and Hep B[/b'> 1st Immunisation Schedule At birth Hep B BCG 4 Weeks Hep B 8 Weeks DaPT/ IPV/ HIB Prevnar Rotarix 4 Months DaPT/ IPV/ HIB Prevnar Rotarix 6 Months DaPT/ IPV/ HIB Prevnar Hep B Rotarix 12 Months MMR Varicella 18 months DaPT/ IPV/ HIB Prevnar 24 Months Hep A 30 Months Hep A 4.5 Years DaPT/ OPV MMR Booster Varicella Booster 10 Years DT/ OPV Hep B Booster 12 Years MMR Booster 16 Years DT/ OPV 2nd Immunisation Schedule Birth Hep B BCG 2 month DaPT/HIB/IPV/HEP B Prevenar Rotarix 4 months DaPT/HIB/IPV/HEP B Prevenar Rotarix 6 months DaPT/HIB/IPV/HEP B Prevenar Rotarix HTH Elizabeth x <em>edited by mince on 21/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 21 October 2011 - 00:21
I think bcg is done in the UK now at birth Only in certain areas (London, and probably Manchester and Birmingham) but it's being phased out. Neither of my two had it. ...and I know I've said it before, but the BCG is not even on the recommended vaccination list to travel to Dubai. Dubai has a lower incidence of TB than the UK (like 1/3 of the UK rate), ergo...
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:26
I still think vaccinations are important however becarful who does them. I was told by the nurse at City that it was compulsary. They did it at 11pm before we were discharged. (We had been trying to leave the hospital since 2pm and it took them that long to sort out the paperwork, although I did find all the nurses and the hospital nice) My advice would be to get it done later by a proper pediatrician. We want to travel with our LO around africa and the middle east so its important for us. Our doc thinks his dose was either too strong a dose or done too deeply. Hope everything goes Ok & I think its great that your getting info first. I looked into it all but was a bit out of it the day after giving birth and regret getting pushed into something I didnt want. Thanks a lot, good that everything is fine now.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:21
PS just re read that. Sorry about the typing and spelling.... first day back at work and its been a verrrry looong day :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:19
hi, havnt read all this post as Im heading off to do my little mans dream feed. Just wanted to let you know that my LO had a very bad reaction to his BCG which caused a lymphoma under his arm in his lymph nodes (which is a swollen lump that gets very hard and then becomes like a fluid filled boil... not very nice) He had to have it drained by a surgeon in dubai and was put on antibiotics to clear up the infection it caused. The docs were talking about surgery to remove it if it didnt settle down by the time he reached 6 months. Luckily its so so much better. It is still hard under his arm and there is an inch long red scar which luckily will fade with age (also luckily he's a boy so wont be worried about it in a strapless frock or bikini) I still think vaccinations are important however be careful who does them. I was told by the nurse at City that it was compulsary. They did it at 11pm before we were discharged. (We had been trying to leave the hospital since 2pm and it took them that long to sort out the paperwork, although I did find all the nurses and the hospital nice) My advice would be to get it done later by a proper pediatrician. We want to travel with our LO around africa and the middle east so its important for us. Our doc thinks his dose was either too strong a dose or done too deeply. Hope everything goes Ok & I think its great that your getting info first. I looked into it all but was a bit out of it the day after giving birth and regret getting pushed into something I didnt want. <em>edited by flymum on 20/10/2011</em>
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EW EXPERT
Latest post on 20 October 2011 - 22:07
Babies when born here are given vitamin K and BCG. You can request not to have the BCG though.
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 21:25
may i ask ... is there a list of the vaccinations that they give (or supposed to give) at birth? how does it work, do they take the baby and jab it or is it done a day/week/whatever later? baby # 1 due in january and not sure how this works. i need to do my homework and really dont know where to start. thanks ladies x I think bcg is done in the UK now at birth, a friend of mine had her DS done when he was born there 3 days ago. When your baby is born they will do it before you leave the hospital(if you want it done) Also when you leave the hospital, you will get a card with your babies details and a list with when they are due for the next set of jabs and details of what jabs they will get. There is alot of them, but you can choose to get the essential ones done(I am not going to do all the recommended one and only follow the uk plan) As far as I am aware no one checks to see if you have had it done, but nurseries and schools so ask to see a copy of them. I'm not sure if this is a requirement in your home country? Also something to consider if you do go on holiday to another country?
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 13:46
thanks busybee2
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 13:33
so there's only 1 given, BGC? and that's for TB, right? bcg is tb yes. thats all that my son who was born in the Corniche hospital in AUH was given.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:23
so there's only 1 given, BGC? and that's for TB, right?
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:15
may i ask ... is there a list of the vaccinations that they give (or supposed to give) at birth? how does it work, do they take the baby and jab it or is it done a day/week/whatever later? baby # 1 due in january and not sure how this works. i need to do my homework and really dont know where to start. thanks ladies x i had one born here but like 13 years ago, its done fairly soon after you go back to your room etc. they did the BCG but its something that we all got when we were at senior school, only now the uk dont give it out any more (but we dont live in the UK) i actually got my other child done here at a similar time rather than waiting until he was 13.
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 19 October 2011 - 11:11
may i ask ... is there a list of the vaccinations that they give (or supposed to give) at birth? how does it work, do they take the baby and jab it or is it done a day/week/whatever later? baby # 1 due in january and not sure how this works. i need to do my homework and really dont know where to start. thanks ladies x
 
 

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